Bozeman’s very BEST, all in one place! Your ‘21 champs:
After a smoky and hot summer, Montanans are finally being rewarded with clearer skies and the annual color show of deep reds, burnt orange and bright yellow. The bittersweet time of year for comfortable weather and last-minute gatherings under the Big Sky (yes, it’s still there).
We’re digging out the heavier clothes built with a little more elasticity to feast on the fruits of local growers without much guilt, dusting off our blue and gold for long-missed football matches, and settling into familiar routines the shorter days provoke.
Fall is a time to slow down after months of activity, to reflect on what’s been and prepare for the days ahead. The autumn months – or weeks in typical Montana fashion – are transitional for many reasons. But something that always seems to be in season is our love and patronage of local businesses that keep us fed, entertained, and equipped for the daily hustle and bustle.
The Best of Bozeman survey offered an opportunity for locals to harvest their very favorite community haunts and enterprises. 2021 has been a year of resurgence and innovation, no doubt. The ongoing health crisis has proved to be no match for our business owners and workers who have managed to adapt on the fly at every turn. So a big round of applause to those who keep making it work for us, whether they took home a prize or came just short. The BoZone tips its hat.
Now, a rundown of the Bozeman area’s premier bars, restaurants, service industries, live entertainment venues, small businesses, local destinations and more.
Everyone needs a field trip from the families we’ve been lovingly stuck with all pandemic long. True to form, Museum of the Rockies is your pick for Best Place for Family Fun and Kids’ Activities. Their ‘Vikings Begin’ exhibit had mouths gaping all summer. Soon joining the towering dinos are ‘Women: A Century of Change’ and ‘Environmental Impact II’ – opening Oct. 9th!
Make an afternoon of it! MacKenzie River Pizza is the Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant. Their menu has a pie for every palate and a full selection of local suds so mom and dad can sneak a brew after a day at the museum.
It wouldn’t be a family outing without the trusty pooch. Let them burn off the leftovers you saved from lunch at Snowfill Recreation Area, the repeat choice for Best Place to Take Your Dog. The sprawling off-leash acreage will give them plenty of room to roam, and the family some of the best views in the valley. Looking for something more central? Best City Park went to Lindley for its accommodating greens. String up a hammock and throw the ball a few times.
Make sure Spot goes home with a chewable souvenir from family day. Dee-O-Gee is, once again, the Best Place for Pet Supplies as well as Best Pet Groomer. Their extensive line of natural foods, gear and grooming services are Bozeman approved, serving the dog and cat-loving citizenry from two locations: 19th & Oak and Downtown.
Cottonwood Veterinary Hospital is best in show after narrowly missing out last year for Best Veterinary. Happy pets contribute to the health of our community with this clinic dedicated to improving the human-animal bond through client education and proactive medicine.
And for those readers yearning for the love and companionship of a pet, consider adopting through Heart of the Valley. The local animal shelter is Bozeman’s Best Nonprofit year after year for their undeniable ability to match animals in search of a home with Gallatin Valley families. Check out their social media pages for paw-tenial connections.
Once the kids are onto their next activity or parents have the luxury of an evening off, the options are aplenty for places to relax with a pint of Montana’s tastiest suds.
This year, Best Brewery winner Bridger Brewing reminded the citizenry of its tried and true dominance over the local craft beer scene. The south Bozeman spot is a favorite for its laid-back atmosphere, hops and rotating selection of crusts.
Their Mad Mile Cream Ale took Best Local Beer Flavor, while pies like the Eloté and the Sept. Zephyr special helped secure Best Pizza to go along with Best Casual Dining. Carb-load with your choice of Pané fresh baked bread, the Best Appetizer. It’s your pick for Best Lunch and Happy Hour thanks to its pizza-by-the slice deal and cold glass of beer (sip responsibly if you’re headed back to work after).
Bridger also claimed Best Restaurant and Restaurant Service this year. The dining area accommodates parties small to large, and kids are never disappointed with the house-made root beer. The Gallatin Valley’s Best Tasting Room features other brew classics like the Blonde and Bobcat Brown, but switches it up with seasonal ales and other creations. They’ve got the Best Beer Selection in town and have also been crowned Best Local Beer Crafter.
It doesn’t end there! Campus adjacent, Bridger is the Best Place for a First Date and Best Place to Meet Singles. Woo your special someone with the Best Bar Food on date night, or take something to-go. They’ve got the Best Take-Out, too. Congrats to Bridger for its runaway victories in 2021 – we can’t wait to see the new Three Forks expansion!
Coming in a close second in a handful of these categories, MAP Brewing held onto Best Outdoor Patio. The view of the Bridgers cannot be beat, even for native Bozemanites.
Don’t just gaze at the mountains – get out in them! We love the great outdoors in Bozeman and the preferred way to really enjoy them is with Hiking, the Best Outdoor Activity. Though it’s a little too busy at the peak of tourist season, Lava Lake is once again the Best Trail for mountainside rec with a killer destination to rest the legs or cool off with a dip.
Make sure to grab a can of bear spray and all the necessary supplies for a day in the Lee Metcalf with a trip into the Best Outdoor Gear Shop and Sports Equipment Store REI. The co-op offers the basics like hiking boots and packs as well as specialty gadgets suited for every variety of outdoorsman.
And about that other outdoor activity we’re known to dabble in… winter is coming and with it ski season. Bridger Bowl is, unsurprisingly, the Best Ski Area among the masses. Last season was touch and go due to health precautions, but the winter playground for skiers and snowboarders is planning to relaunch its Community Event Series full of slopeside competition and theme challenges.
There’s still a couple weeks before the annual October dumping ends our truncated Fall, so get in your last rides and snow boot-less outings while you still can. Best Bike Shop Owenhouse Cycling is the pedalers’ pick for all things spokes, anglers wade in the inventory at Best Fly Fishing Shop The River’s Edge, and the Bridger Creek links are the Best Golf Course for a scenic 18 holes. Off-roading is another Montana favorite. Summit Motorsports serves all-terrain throttle junkies no matter the season as the area’s Best ATV / Motor Sports Store.
Bozeman Running Company is the Best Running Shoe Store whether you’re ready to brave the wintry elements on Gallagator, the Best Jogging Trail, or hitting the treadmill. Run to the Pub, Bozeman’s Best Timed Foot Race, has been unable to fully proceed in its traditional green glory for two years running. Fingers crossed for ‘22, should luck be in our favor this St. Paddy’s.
Plan one last in-state road trip to the Best Place to Experience Nature, Glacier National Park. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is an attraction every Montanan should experience at least once. Keep it close to home with an afternoon on Best River the Madison. It might be late in the year for a float, but a sunny days on the banks of this popular waterway are still worth the drive.
Already looking to spring? Make a plan for the next planting season with Cashman Nursery. The Best Garden Shop / Nursery’s portfolio of greenery and flowers is the one-stop-shop for green thumbs and those looking to accent their yards front and back.
Bring the beauty inside with an arrangement from Best Florist Langhor’s Flowerland whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or looking to offset the white stillness of winter. Add an eye-popping piece from Altitude Gallery to the collection, or find your first ever work at Bozeman’s pick for Best Art Gallery.
Go the vintage route with an addition from the Antique Barn. The Gateway dealer and Best Antique Store has rare finds and treasures from generations past. If you have a family portrait or unique artwork to preserve, let the Frugal Frame Shop experts handle your custom order. They’re the Best Frame Shop again this year.
From the walls and nooks of our homes to the performance halls around the Gallatin Valley, art and culture can be experienced in many ways. The curtain’s been closed at the Ellen Theatre for much of the pandemic, but the downtown space is beginning to host events once again. It was voted Best Live Theater Venue in anticipation of its future stagings.
Best Live Theater Group Montana Shakespeare in the Parks were able to tour this summer, bringing outdoor performances to the MSU Grove and more. Our littlest community members are performers in the making with the help of Tanya’s Dance Company, a new winner for Best Dance Studio. Visit the website for a list of courses for youth of all ages.
One of Downtown Bozeman’s mainstay storefronts is finding a new home this year, but won’t lose any of its flair during the move. Vinyl lovers have long flocked to Cactus Records for its selection of sleeves, and the Best Record / CD Store plans to remain the source from their new address. It’s not all about the music: Cactus is a great spot for interesting gifts and silly souvenirs.
Local musicians stay tuned into their craft with the help of Music Villa. Their guitars, gear, odds and ends are why they win Best Musical Instrument Store year after year. Also, most of the staff moonlight as musicians themselves.
‘Tis the season for curling up with a warm blanket and a good book. Country Bookshelf is the Best Bookstore. The downtown shop offers all the latest titles and has something from every genre. They host regular author events as well.
In the era of visual stimulation, some may prefer a flick or tv series. Best Video Rental store went to Movie Lovers for their title variety, but has sadly closed its doors. We’ll miss our neighborhood DVD shop and the annual Oscars viewing party. Thanks for the memories!
Mellow movie nights are fun and all, but there’s other ways to relax. Treat yourself to a weekend soak at Chico Hot Springs, the repeat winner for Best Overnight / Weekend Getaway and Hot “Wada”. The resort offers overnight accommodations and live music in the saloon.
Focus on self-care in town. Canyon River won the prizes for Best Day Spa and Place for a Massage this year. The Aveda-trained professionals see to skin, body and hair needs, among other services. Another new winner in 2021, Evolve Hair Design trimmed the competition to take Best Hair Salon. Their stylists help clients create looks unique to them, also offering lash extension services and facial waxing.
Turn your attention to physical health with a gym membership before New Year’s resolutions roll around at the Best Gym / Fitness Center. The two-location Ridge Athletic Clubs feature modern equipment, group classes and a staff of personal trainers to keep its members motivated. Center mind, body and spirit at Your Yoga. Bozeman’s Best Yoga Studio offers competitive rates, private classes and virtual sessions. Those more competitive in nature can get in the ring at Montana Mixed Martial Arts, the Best Martial Arts Gym. Explore the contact sport and self-defense system that is Jiu-Jitsu with a class, no matter your level of expertise.
Though recreational use has been approved by voters, Best Dispensary Juniper Cannabis is still only able to serve clients with a medical card. For now, those cardholders have access to quality CBD solutions and unique strains.
Venture no farther than East Main Ink for your next piece of body art. Schedule a session for a custom piece subtle to stand out, or add to an existing work. The team at Bozeman’s Best Tattoo Studio is up to any challenge.
Keep your eyes on the prize with a prescription and new pair of frames from Advanced Eyecare, the Best Optical Shop with locations in Bozeman and Belgrade. New bifocals will bring a Montana sapphire from Miller’s Jewelry into better focus. Your Best Place to Buy Jewelry deals in diamonds meant for important questions, and also sells premium watches.
Another prime pick for presents is Heyday, a downtown lifestyle boutique named the Best Place for Unique Gifts and Gifts for Her. There’s something for every occasion, but fair warning: it’s unlikely you’ll leave without an item for yourself.
If it’s a gentleman you’re shopping for, Revolvr is the Best Place for Gifts for Him. The men’s clothing store is ready for autumn temps with a fresh selection of denim, boots and other accessories. And it might be the season of growing out facial hair, but even the most robust beards need a little maintenance. The Barber Shop & Shaving Parlor is the Best Barber Shop.
EVRGREEN took Best Clothing Store in 2021. The women’s boutique opened as a sister store to Revolvr and features modern brands at accessible prices. Finish off a look with a fresh pair of soles from Schnee’s Boots & Shoes, the Best Shoe Store. The downtown shop has pairs for the everyday and the outdoors.
Too much shopping can exhaust the checking account. Make sure your accounts are in good shape before swiping. First Security Bank is your pick for Best Bank. They offer traditional banking services and also assist with personal loans.
Your next stop might require a bank co-sign. Though interest rates are back up from 0%, you may still be in the market for a new set of wheels. Best Car Dealer is Ressler Motors thanks to their plentiful lot featuring the latest Toyota, Chevrolet and Cadillacs, as well as pre-owned models that drive like new. Their maintenance services also helped them speed away with Best Automotive Repair.
Nobody likes dealing with a side swipe or surprise dents, but things happen on our congested city roads and parking lots. A&D Auto Body is home to the Best Autobody Repair in Bozeman for their quick, quality work on personal vehicles and work trucks.
Regular fluid flushes are key to the healthy, long life of your car. Don’t let it go too long! Speedy Lube took the gold for Best Oil Change. They offer regular and synthetic changes, as well as automatic transmission service and fuel system cleaning.
While you’ve got the fixer upper itch, make a list of things you need to complete those home improvement projects this winter. Owenhouse Ace Hardware is the Best Hardware Store, serving customers from its downtown location and a second on Huffine. They’ve got the know-how, even if you’re not sure where to start.
Sometimes we love our furnishings to death, and fixing is out of the question. Find a replacement piece at UFS (Used Furniture Store). The local dealer repurposes only the highest quality Bozeman has to offer, which is why they regularly win Best Furniture Store and Used Furniture Store. They’re ready to take a chair or table off your hands, too.
If you don’t mind once-loved clothes and home accessories and looking for a bargain, stop off into Sacks of Bozeman for second-hand steals. It’s your Best Thrift Store and supports several community programs.
Do it yourself projects require supplies from Best Craft / Hobby Store Michaels. Whether you’re knitting, framing, scrapbooking or creating fun art projects for the kids, the buck stops here.
Add a little spirit to your project of choice with something from Montana Spirits & Wine. Creativity and focus come into play when our inhibitions have a shot at release, and this shop has just the ticket. Pick up some vino red or white, or a stronger substance clear to dark from Bozeman’s Best Wine Shop and Package Liquor Store.
Grab a slab of quality protein to soak up the merriment. Daniels Gourmet Meats is a generational enterprise that sells only top quality cuts of locally sourced beef, pork and poultry. The Best Place for Meat also process wild game, so think of these guys this hunting season.
Soon adding a third Bozeman location, the employee-owned Town & Country Foods is the only choice for fridge-stocking. It’s your Best Grocery Store and Store to Buy Beer. Milk, eggs, produce and a 6er of domestics can live in perfect harmony under the fluorescent glow. T&C also has mouth-watering lunch specials from the deli and a helpful staff. Additional locations can be found in Belgrade and Livingston.
Find all your natural needs at the expanded Community Food Co-op, whose lunch offerings hot and cold are reason enough to swing by. Their organic dry goods, supplements and everyday ingredients for cooking and more helped them win Best Eco-Friendly Products. Check them out at the original location or downtown. They also won Best Place to Shop for Seafood and Best Juice Bar.
And if you have a spur of the moment hankering for something savory or sweet, Joe’s Parkway is the most accessible spot for essential items and all the extras. It’s the pick for Best Convenience Store.
The streaming era has opened up a world of possibilities for musicians, but access to local personalities cannot be replaced. Bozeman’s favorite hosts on the ole tuner are Dave & Ally from XL Country. The Best Radio DJs front an entertaining morning show for the commute to work and also mix in all of today’s country hits for those who want to belt it out on the freeway. Best Radio Station returned to KGLT in 2021. The alternative public radio station is broadcast far and wide, featuring equally excellent shows by the likes of Ellen King-Rodgers and Jim Kehoe, among others.
To keep up on all the local headlines and how national stories are affecting our mountainside town, turn the channel to KBZK-CBS for the Best TV Morning and Evening News shows. The broadcaster offers balanced perspectives, detailed weather forecasts and also does its part to support community initiatives.
Slow news days call for an evening out! Start things off with a sampling of local spirits Wildrye, the winner for Best Distillery. Their menu is complete with concoctions using fresh, natural ingredients and top shelf liquors. They were also one of the first to refashion their product into hand sanitizer when all the other shelves in town were bare.
Another option for the Best Cocktails around is Plonk. The cheese board is a popular shareable to go along with a round of GFCs or bottle of the finest wine. The trendy downtown spot also took Best Bar and Place for Girls’ Night Out. The food menu is diverse and the house-infused cocktails are best served in multiples.
As for the fellas, Best Place for Guys’ Night Out went to Copper Whiskey Bar again this year. The speakeasy-esque watering hole is known for its plentiful selection of brown and accompanying food menu that puts traditional bar fare to shame.
Make it a co-ed affair with a dinner among friends. Best New Restaurant Revelry is in the same neighborhood and makes for great meeting spot for larger groups. The New American eatery cooks up hearty entrees and artisan pizza for the whole crew. They also have a fantastic weekend brunch.
Hit the Rocking R Bar afterward for a live DJ set and a round of drinks. It’s got the Best Nightlife in a downtown area full of late night choices. And when you’ve loosened up enough to hit the dance floor, no one should judge when you’re shaking your tailfeather. The R is also the Best Place to Dance.
If you find yourself getting the weekend started early, exercise your vocal chords with a song or two at the Eagles Bar, Bozeman’s Best Karaoke venue. New spot Happy Box came in a close second, but the krown remains with FOE for another year.
Howling at the moon can be taxing, so be sure to grab a late slice before heading home. Best Late Night Grub goes to Tarantino’s Pizzeria for their delicious pies and wee hour convenience.
Skip the crowds and finish off the night with something sweet from Montana Ale Works. The East Main haunt has the Best Restaurant Dessert and is a great place to wind down with one last drink.
Most local bars are MSU proud, but Bobcat headquarters has got to be Spectators Bar & Grill. It’s a short walk to the stadium and back in blue and gold business with the welcome return of home games. The Best Sports Pub in Bozeman also has a screen for every sport. You’ll never miss a matchup at Specs.
Kill the pain from a night that went a little too long with a hot plate from Storm Castle Café, winners of Best Hangover Cure. The Monte Cristo has made a name for itself and the meat is sourced by their very own farm. Mimosas are a must and the staff is pretty friendly, too.
Storm Castle put up a good fight, but Jam! was voted Best Breakfast in 2021. The menu features familiar breakfast and lunch items to go along with a specialty mimosa or Bloody Makiko.
One more breakfast choice: the Western Café. The quaint downtown diner reclaimed Best Authentic Montana Ambiance for its rustic accents and home kitchen-like atmosphere. The “Last Best Café” has been slinging plates for over 50 years.
Ghost Town Coffee Roasters is your next stop if a cup of joe is more your thing during the am hours. Their pours are presented with a dash of pizazz and the in-house bakery offers something a little extra for patrons to enjoy. The pick for Best Coffee now has a second location at Black & Olive.
Best Coffeehouse is Wild Joe*s in Downtown Bozeman. Their comfy space features the work of local artists and room for catching up on work or a new book. There’s also plenty to snack on for the peckish.
A new winner this year, Nexus Drive Up Coffee is the Best Coffee Hut for Bozemanites on the move. The midtown espresso brewer uses locally roasted beans in its lattes, mochas and more.
We can’t leave out the tea enthusiasts. Its name inspired by the towering peaks that surround us, Steep Mountain is thee Best Teahouse. The menu knows no bounds with more than 100 loose leaf teas. Cozy up with a chai, bubble tea or Brew Dr. Kombucha.
Bring home an order of delicacies from Wild Crumb. Your Best Bakery uses its ovens to craft some of the best pies and danishes, loaves of bread, breakfast and other unique desserts. And if you’re looking for a sugar rush, may we direct you to Granny’s Gourmet Donuts where cravings are often satisfied. Their fried cake rings are glazed, decorated and sure to be a hit with whomever you’re willing to share the box with. They won Best Donuts / Pastries.
It’s lunchtime in Bozeman! Nothing is quite as filling or satisfying as a juicy patty with all the fixin’s. Best Burger again went to Backcountry Burger Bar for their handheld creations. Wash it down with your choice of regional brew, then walk it off with a stroll downtown.
Head over to the brewery district for town’s Best Sandwich at Fink’s Delicatessen. The northside deli offers a variety of traditional lunchtime favorites and zesty menu additions. The Strawberry Basil Lemonade was a popular sipper this summer, and the charcuterie board is enough to serve an army.
Grilling champs Bar 3 BBQ are home to “world class racks” and the Best BBQ around. Eat in at the Belgrade mess hall with brews on tap and room to bloat, or order your favorite chicken, beef brisket or pulled pork for a family feast. Catering services are also available.
Find the Best Korean Food at a local institution: I-Ho’s Korean Grill. It’s been exciting taste buds for decades thanks to owner I-Ho Pomeroy’s careful attention to traditional dishes. A ramen bowl will be a great way to warm up when the snow starts falling, or dive into an order of Korean-style bbq short ribs. Her famous kimchi is also available at grocery stores around town.
The hand-crafted pasta and protein-enhanced dishes helped Blacksmith Italian slurp up Best Italian Food again this year. The expansive wine selection is at least partially to blame for lengthy dinners enjoyed out on the patio. Blacksmith can grin ear to ear on behalf of its Best Chef and is also your choice for Best Fine Dining. Break out the layers this winter and make an occasion out of it.
Dining on a budget can be difficult in a town with such a diverse variety, but the finger lickin’ southern foods at Roost Fried Chicken are where it’s at. They’re the Best Inexpensive Restaurant in Bozeman.
Pakeezah brings the mouthwatering flavors of India right to Downtown Bozeman with its menu. The Best Indian Food in Bozeman invites you to experience its modern take on exotic dishes made for generations.
It’s won over the stomachs of most with fresh ingredients, flavorful meats and plenty of spice. El Rodeo is once again the winner of Best Mexican Food and Food Truck / Cart. Their easy access has made this a midday hotspot among locals. Find their bus in front of the Dollar Spree or stop into the Gallatin Valley Mall food court for a taste.
They continue to be on a roll for their eye-popping, flavorful Best Sushi. Whether you’re in the mood for sashimi, nigiri or a specialty fried creation, Dave’s Sushi has expanded its operations in recent years to better serve the hungry public. The restaurant just off Main is a great place for intimate celebrations and there’s always room at the bar for solo parties. Dave’s also won Best Asian Food and Place to Eat Seafood.
Sir Scott’s Oasis remains a cut above the rest in 2021. The Manhattan-based steakhouse is a bit of a drive for most of us, but well worth the trip. Maybe skip a meal before heading out for the area’s Best Steak – you’ll need room for appetizers, taters and some dessert while you’re at it.
Bozeman sweet teeth can find generous scoops at the aptly named Sweet Peaks. Their mountain made flavors like honey cinnamon, chocolate love and bear food keep bringing folks back to the Best Ice Cream Shop. With all the necessary toppings of course!
In-person events were BACK in 2021, but all “looked a little different.” The abbreviated Music on Main series brought the masses back to Downtown Bozeman for its annual summer concert series. The Best Local Event, MoM as we knew it was severely missed by live music lovers and minglers alike.
One of Bozeman’s most popular and traditional gatherings returned to Lindley Park and other venues this summer. Best Festival goes to Sweet Pea again in 2021 – and for good reason! From live music performances in the bowl, to the expansive vendor market and delicious food & drink from local artisans, the weekend event was a welcome reminder of our talented community.
They fronted Bridger’s Back-to-School Block Party and hit the stage at several area venues with their usual timeless sets. Pinky & the Floyd is Bozeman’s Best Local Band for their catalog, but also an unmatched stage presence. Every Pinky show is an experience to remember.
It’s been pretty quiet at the Rialto since the onset of the pandemic, but the downtown space still won Best Music and Event Venue for its memorable concerts and specialty shows. Check out Logjam’s new spot, the ELM, for a similar performance slate.
Let’s whine a little before we get back to enjoying Bozeman’s best. Still voted the Best Place for a New Traffic Light or Roundabout is Max & Catron, otherwise known as the congested four-way stop near Costco and Target. There seems to have been some advancement over the last year, but you’ve settled on room for improvement. College & Willson and Sourdough & Kagy were the runners up.
As for what voters decided in regard to the Best Use of Taxpayers’ Money, Rent Control was again the number one pick. New developments are sprouting up all over town, but we wonder what percentage of those feature affordable housing options. Our mountain town is little no longer, but a little help for the locals should be prioritized.
As is tradition, we end with some hometown appreciation. Your Best THING About Bozeman are its enormous and never-ending Mountains. Similar to last year, access to the great outdoors has been a saving grace in pandemic times. They keep us occupied all year long, allow for plenty of space between recreationists, and remain an irreplaceable asset to people of all stripes. Let’s continue to recognize what sets this place apart as we barrel toward ‘22! •
